Ah Ha Macaroni and Cheese

Get ready to elevate your comfort food game with "Ah Ha Macaroni and Cheese," the ultimate baked mac and cheese experience that will leave everyone craving seconds. This irresistible recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with a luscious, velvety cheese sauce made from a trio of sharp cheddar, creamy Gruyere, and nutty Parmesan. Enhanced with Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and a hint of smoked paprika, the sauce delivers a perfectly balanced flavor punch. Topped with golden, crispy panko breadcrumbs, this dish is baked to bubbly perfection, creating a crunchy contrast to the creamy interior. Perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings, this gourmet twist on a classic guarantees to impress. With just 40 minutes from start to finish, this decadent macaroni and cheese serves 6 and brings comfort and sophistication to your table.

Nutriscore Rating: 50/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces Elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 3 cups Whole milk
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 2 cups Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1.5 cups Shredded Gruyere cheese
• 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Keep whisking to avoid lumps and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to thicken, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan cheeses until they are fully melted and smooth.

Step 6

Mix in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 7

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 8

Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.

Step 9

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and olive oil. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.

Step 10

Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese.

Step 11

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Step 12

Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Ah Ha Macaroni and Cheese!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1566 grams (1566.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3796

Total Fat 307.40g	394%
Saturated Fat 178.20g	891%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.10g
Cholesterol 914mg	305%
Sodium 6517mg	283%
Total Carbohydrate 103.20g	38%
Dietary Fiber 3.80g	14%
Total Sugars 39.70g
Protein 155.20g	310%

Vitamin D 358IU	1791%
Calcium 4623mg	356%
Iron 5mg	30%
Potassium 1346mg	29%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 72.8%

Protein: 16.3%

Carbs: 10.9%